Conservation

Research

Science in the Preserves

We are serious about our goal to eradicate the non-native invasive species, buckthorn, from our forest preserves and beyond. In 2015, we convened several regional organizations to discuss ideas for controlling buckthorn. This conversation was organized to launch a pilot project to improve landscapes within the vicinity of Middlefork Savanna.

Around that same time our Assistant Public Affairs Manager, Allison Frederick, forged a partnership with social scientists at the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). Eager to discuss applicable methods for behavioral change and conservation psychology, she teamed up with researchers at the USFS to determine people’s perceptions of the trees and aesthetics in the buck­thorn pilot area.

Last summer, we distributed a homeowner survey to research the best ways to eradicate buckthorn and support native landscapes. All residents within the pilot project area received the same questionnaire. The survey consisted of multiple choice and open-ended questions, following a format based on the Theory of Planned Behavior, a well-accepted way of predicting people’s intentions to act on a given issue. These important predictors have been successfully used in many studies of land manage­ment. Related questions about people’s activities and values regarding yards, landscaping, and the environment will help us better understand their willingness to take action.

Over the past six months, Frederick and colleagues have compiled and analyzed responses. Participation and responses to this survey will be used to enhance outreach efforts, focus restoration activities, and inform similar projects throughout the region. Frederick and USFS partners will be pre­senting their key findings at the U.S. Regional International Association for Landscape Ecology Annual Meeting this April in Chicago. Homeowners who participated in the survey received a report of results and the first invitations to join us in this effort to build a more resilient future for Lake County.

Buckthorn Homeowner Survey Results

Several homeowners have already volunteered to join the movement to eradicate buckthorn. Whether they have removed buckthorn from their yard or are simply considering it, every resident who participates will benefit the community. Below is a full copy of the results that survey participants received from us in July 2018. Flip through the report below or read it here to learn more.

Habitat Restoration's Effect on Animals in the Preserves

Finding eight common garter snakes under your first cover board of the day is a good start for John Vanek and wildlife technicians Katherine Waguespack and Elizabeth Mullen (pictured below).

“The technicians write down where we are,” said Vanek, a graduate research assistant completing his Ph.D. in the Department of Biological Sciences at Northern Illinois University. “They record surrounding habitat conditions, such as the height of the vegetation and the amount of shading. Those variables help us figure out why snakes and other species are in one place and not another.”

For his dissertation, Vanek is working with our wildlife biologists, Gary Glowacki and Andrew Rutter, to study how habitat restoration and other factors affect animals in the preserves. “We are at an exciting point where our data can tell us how wildlife responds to the way we restore and manage our land,” Glowacki said. “This will allow us to more effectively manage our natural areas and better conserve biodiversity.”

Vanek is also analyzing our wildlife monitoring program, drawing on the accumulated knowledge of our Natural Resources Department. “One of the most important facets of the wildlife monitoring program is diversifying our sampling methodologies,” said Rutter. “Different species call for different sampling techniques, which we employ in an attempt to confirm the presence, abundance, and diversity of wildlife on our lands.”

By the end of his three-year tenure, Vanek will have sifted through a decade worth of data containing more than 180,000 records, identifying trends and ways to improve our restoration actions. Learn more about our research projects »

Additional Resources

The links below provide further information about identifying local species, eradicating invasive species, living with wildlife, and other natural resource topics.

Identification and Natural History

All About Birds »
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s online guide to North American birds, bird songs, birding basics and more.

Animal Diversity Web »
An online database and encyclopedia of animal natural history, built through contributions from students and photographers.

Go Botany »
Simple identification key to thousands of New England plants. Many of the species have ranges that extend to include Lake County, Illinois.

Leaf Snap »
An electronic field guide being developed by Columbia University, the University of Maryland and the Smithsonian Institution. Currently includes trees of the northeastern United States.

Odonata Information Network »
Images, maps and sightings of North American dragonflies and damselflies. Allows you to search species lists by state.

Rapid Color Guides »
Field guides created by the Field Museum fill a gap in the published material available to identify live species. Search the inventory of Chicago region field guides, including asters, butterflies, dragonflies, spring flora and more.

Invasive Species

Asian Carp »
A site established to coordinate the control and management of Asian carps in the United States.

Emerald Ash Borer »
Part of a multinational effort in the northeastern United States and eastern Canada to provide the latest information about emerald ash borer.

Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant »
Research, education and outreach about aquaculture, aquatic invasive species and health of the Great Lakes, empowering Lake Michigan communities to secure a healthy environment and economy.

Midwest Invasive Plant Network »
We are partners in this diverse group with a mission to reduce the impact of invasive plant species in the Midwest. Learn more about identification, prevention, and control of invasive species, as well as native alternatives for invasive ornamental plants.

New Invaders Watch Program »
We are partners in this early detection and rapid response network of organizations dedicated to controlling new invasive species. Learn more about identification of species and how to report new invaders.

Northeastern Illinois Invasive Plant Partnership (NIIPP) »
More than 500 species of plants have been introduced into the Chicago region in the past 200 years. Species that become invasive create a lot of trouble.In 2010, Chicago Wilderness members launched this partnership to coordinate efforts to manage invasive plants species across the region.

Plant Heroes »
The materials on this site are free and great for any community group seeking educational tools and resources for youth and how they can combat invasive plant species.

Morton Arboretum Community Trees Program »
Helps communities, public and private landowners, land managers, tree professionals, and groups interested in trees effectively manage and care for our urban and community forests.

Living with Wildlife

Living with Wildlife in Illinois »
University of Illinois Extension provides extensive information on identifying animals that are causing a problem, seasonal behaviors, directory of Illinois wildlife, and more.

Wildlife Management and Monitoring

Kitty Cams »
National Geographic and University of Georgia collaborated on this research project, investigating the activities of urban free-roaming cats with goals for wildlife conservation and improving the health and well-being of pet cats.